FIRST BIBLE LESSON: EPHESIANS 4:25
"Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another."
SECOND BIBLE LESSON: COLOSSIANS 3:9
"Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have not put off the old man with his deeds."
GOLDEN TEXT: MATTHEW 5:34-37
"But I say unto you, swear not at all, neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth for it is his footstool: Neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great king. Neither shalt thou swear by thy hand, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be Yea, yea; Nay,nay; for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."
REFRAIN FROM FALSEHOOD
Dear brethren, this is the time of judgement. As you have read from the Bible that judgement will start from the church, you should desist from the habit of confessing your sins now, and going back to indulge in them the next minute. I have warned you against falsehood, because of its consequences.
It is rather awful that the people of the world have made falsehood the order of the day. To this end, everybody now sees falsehood as the societal norm and the only way for survival. But here only the truth is needed. Therefore, as a child of God, you should not lie to your fellow brethren.
If you have never practised any gospel since you came into this kingdom, do not fail to practise this particular one. If you practise falsehood, you have invariably subjected yourself to judgement. Note that I am not saying that if you practise only the truth that makes you righteous. Rather I am saying that the truth is good for you as, it is the basic requirement for one to escape judgement. For you to qualify for this kingdom of God, you should desist from falsehood. Let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay. (James 5:12).
I am disclosing this secret to you because you are meant for this kingdom. You should know that truth is needed in this kingdom because Brotherhood is the truth. Therefore, brethren, do not be afraid of anything or anybody, speak the truth, for the truth will save you.
You should know that the reigning force in Brotherhood is the truth. If you want to belong here, you have to eschew falsehood in your life. Hold fast to the truth for it is more profitable to practise truthfulness than falsehood. I want you to realise that no liar shall be saved. As falsehood crumbles, so also will liars perish. Anything planted on falsehood shall perish, while those planted on the truth shall live on. This explains why Christ said that only those things planted by the Father shall stand. Other than this, all other things will be up-rooted. (Matthew 15:13).
God is truth and His words are true. Even Our Lord Jesus Christ said:" I have many things to tell you but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when the Holy Spirit of truth shall come He shall guide you into all truth. (John 16:12-13). Today the Holy Spirit of truth is doing just that. Have you not felt the impact of His leadership? For you to benefit from the good things which His divine leadership has brought, you have to practise the truth. All the things you see in the world today are the handiwork of God and they were caused to come into being by the truth. Except you allow the spirit of truth to lead you, you are not a party to His leadership.
I reiterate here that this is the time of judgement, and that anyone who desires salvation must identify with the truth. Remember what Our Lord Jesus Christ said: "For judgement I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, are we also blind? Jesus said unto them, if ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, we see; therefore your sin remaineth. (John 9:39-41).
The nagging question is how come you claim to be righteous when you have not repented of your sins? Recall what happened when a publican and a pharisee went out to pray? The Pharisee claimed righteousness, recounting his goodness to the poor and needy. But the Publican on the other hand accepted that he was a sinner and pleaded for forgiveness. The prayer of the publican was answered whereas that of the Pharisee was not. This is why it is stated in the scriptures that anyone who confesses his sins will be forgiven and the person shall be saved. But anyone who does not confess his sins shall be condemned. If we confess our sins, He will forgive us because He is truthful and He will cleanse us of our unrighteousness. But if we say that we have not committed any sins, it means we have made Him a liar, and His word is not in us. (1 John 1:9-10).
Learn from the experience of the two robbers that were nailed to the cross on either side of Our Lord Jesus Christ. One of them had his sins forgiven because he saw himself as a sinner; whereas the other thief died with his sins because of arrogance. Recall that Our Lord Jesus Christ had commanded His disciples saying, Go ye into the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:15-16).
Today, we have not deviated from that term of reference because we are still preaching the same gospel of repentance. The truth here is that you must confess your sins and repent of them otherwise you cannot have salvation. Our Lord Jesus Christ was the first person who practised forgiveness of sins. On the cross of Calvary, and in great pains, as blood was oozing out of His wounded side, He pronounced, "It is finished." There is no doubt that we are all sinners. After all, we were conceived in sin and delivered in iniquities. And so anyone who does not see himself as a sinner and plead for forgiveness is being arrogant; and such a person is due for damnation. And for such a person to see himself as righteous is a demonstration of falsehood, to say the least.
The sacrifice of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, thou would not despise(Psalm 51:17). And if you do not show a repentant heart over your sins, you are done for. Many have forced themselves into condemnation by claiming that they know God and that they have always been in close communion with God before they were born into this kingdom. But I want to assure you that without a repentant heart you cannot know God; let alone see Him.
ANY SIN THAT IS NOT CONFESSED CANNOT BE FORGIVEN. EVEN THOUGH WE ARE SAVED BY THE GRACE OF GOD, WE OWE GOD THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CONFESSING OUR SINS AND REPENTING OF THEM IN APPRECIATION OF HIS LOVE, MERCY AND KINDNESS TOWARDS US. But if you blink at God and claim that you have been saved as a result of your good works, you shall be damned. God does not cherish arrogance and ingratitude, but He is glorified in humility. All the hypocrites in the world shall be ruined, while the humble shall be glorified in the end.
God has not come into this world for fun. His mission is to judge every man according to his deeds. Look inwardly into yourself and if you find any trace of sin, you should confess and repent of them, else you will be damned. But if you have confessed and repented of all your sins you are saved.
Do not keep this information to yourself only, spread it to all the inhabitants of the world. Inform them that except they confess and repent of their evil ways, they shall be damned. And that any sin which is not confessed amounts to falsehood. Also tell them that except they refrain from falsehood, they cannot inherit the new heaven and the new earth.
John had his head chopped off as a result of truth. He told king Herod in plain words that it was not proper for him to have taken his brother's wife for marriage. This hatred culminated in John the Baptist being beheaded. And his head was given to the girl (Herodias' daughter) for dancing dexterously to please King Herod on his birthday. Read Matthew 14. This happened because Herod had to keep his word that whatever the girl wanted he would give to her. And so, eventually, when she demanded for the head of John the Baptist, he could not help but oblige the girl's request.
It is very common to hear people say they want to die with Christ. What does this mean when people cannot even speak the simple truth. Recall what happened between Christ and His brethren. Because His brethren were not aware that the Jews were planning to kill Christ, they said to Him when the Jewish feast of tabernacle was at hand that: Depart hence, and go into Judea that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth anything in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things show thyself to the world. Neither did his brethren nor the people there believe in Him. Then Jesus said to them: " My time is not yet come: but your time is always ready." (John 7:6).The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil."
So, when His time was up, He went to the gathering of the Jews. While He was there preaching to the people, those hired to kill him were already waiting. After he finished preaching the hired assassins were set to strike but controversy arose among them. Some said He was a good man, others said he was not. Because of such controversy nothing was done to him. This was so because His time was not yet up. You should try to speak the truth at all times and accept your fault when you go wrong. Always speak the truth in all situations irrespective of how you are affected. By so doing, you are justified.
If you are asked to state the purpose for which you are called into this kingdom, you would not be able to give the answer. In the same vein, if you are asked why your brothers at home are not called into this kingdom, you would not be able to give the correct answer. And your brothers who are not here do not know why they are not here either. BUT IT PLEASES ME TO INFORM YOU THAT, IT IS TRUTH THAT LED YOU INTO THIS KINGDOM, AND THOSE WHO CANNOT COME IN HERE ARE PREVENTED BY FALSEHOOD. THEY CLAIM TO BE RIGHTEOUS WHEREAS THEY ARE NOT. BUT SINCE YOU HAVE ACCEPTED TO BE A SINNER AND BEG FOR FORGIVENESS, YOU ARE CALLED INTO THIS KINGDOM FOR SALVATION. YOUR BROTHERS OUTSIDE ARE KEPT FOR CONDEMNATION.
Anyone who claims to be righteous has invariably made Our Lord Jesus Christ a liar. Hence, such a person has no share in the precious blood and good tidings of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that, such a person is already condemned. BUT ANYONE WHO CONFESSES HIS SINS, BEGS GOD FOR FORGIVENESS AND ACCEPTS THAT CHRIST DIED FOR THE SINS OF MANKIND, IS SAVED. THIS EXPLAINS WHY WE ARE INDEBTED TO CHRIST. HE DIED FOR OUR SINS AND SO, IT IS INCUMBENT ON US TO TELL THE VERITABLE TRUTH AT ALL TIMES. This shows that we have tasted the love of Christ who died for our sake. Without Christ we would not have been saved. None could have saved himself. Therefore, we are indebted to Christ for leading us to salvation gratis. We all have been redeemed from sinfulness and falsehood which mark the kingdom of the devil and we are made righteous and true and this represents the kingdom of God.
Recall what happened to Ananias and his wife Saphira for telling lies to the Apostles of God, Read Acts 5:1-10. Now the question is, was it not falsehood that killed Ananias and his wife, Saphira as stated in the text? That is exactly what happens in the world today. It is not uncommon to see the people of the world telling lies in order to implicate others and exonerate themselves. But my message to you is that you should always speak the truth because it is the only source of salvation. Read the first lesson again.
FIRST BIBLE LESSON: EPHESIANS 4:25
"Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another."
BROTHERHOOD IS TRUTH
Beloved, have you now realized that the world does not love the truth, but Brotherhood has brought the truth into the world? So, stand firm by speaking the truth at all times. People complain that the world does not like Brotherhood of the Cross and Star. But I am telling you that the world likes Brotherhood but hates the truth in the fold. The world and the affairs of the world are founded on falsehood, hence, you see that while a particular government lasts in office, people will not complain of bad governance and embezzlement. But immediately such government is sacked, they would complain of its ills. The question is where were they during the tenure of that government? Here in Brotherhood, it is imperative that you tell the truth and keep all your promises. Always ensure that it is only the truth that proceeds out of your mouth.
Recall that when the Jews and Pharisees planned to tempt Our Lord Jesus Christ, they brought before Him a woman who was caught in adultery. They asked Him what should be done to her, since He condemned stoning to death as a form of capital punishment for sinners, contrary to the laws of Moses. Christ immediately knew their thought and said to them: "He that is without sin among you let him first cast a stone at her." (John 8:7).
Soon they all realized that they were sinners, hence nobody could first stone the woman. Then Christ lifted up his eyes and saw none but the woman left alone and He said to her, "Where are those thine accusers? She said, No man, Lord, And Our Lord Jesus Christ said to her, Neither do I condemn thee: go and sin no more." (John 8:11)
But now, nobody accepts his faults nor see himself as a sinner. That is why if a woman whom you had committed adultery with is brought before you for judgement, as a judge, if you condemn her and the woman is not bold enough to say you were the one who had slept with her, it means you are covered with falsehood. Have you now realized how falsehood and sinfulness are at work in the world?
THE TREE OF GOOD AND EVIL
The tree of good and evil you may have read about in the Bible, is nothing but truth and falsehood. While the tree of good stands for Christ, the tree of evil represents Satan. Our Lord Jesus Christ was the embodiment of truth. That was why when He had audience with His disciples and someone approached Him and told Him that His mother and brethren were waiting for Him somewhere, He replied: "My mother and my brethren are those who hear the word of God and do it." (Luke 8:21).
Have you ever seen such truth in any part of this world? Who in the whole world understands the meaning of that statement? And who in the whole world is ready to speak such truth or practise it? Our Lord Jesus Christ is truth, hence everything He did was according to the directives of the Father.
This was why Simon asked Him to show them the Father, and He replied thus:" Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; Believest thou not that I am in the Father and in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the work. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake." (John 14:9-11).
You should always bear in mind that when you came into this world, you did not have even teeth, not to talk about things like land, money, children, houses, land, money, clothes, etc. But is it true that you can rely on these things? Did you come into world with any of these things? God is the sole owner of all things. So stop claiming ownership of any thing here on earth. Often, you pray God to bless you with a wife, husband, wisdom, money, children, houses, cars, and other earthly things. And after being blessed with these things you forget God completely and turn round to claim ownership. Are you a truthful person in this case? The word is God and it is God that speaks through you. Also, do not claim responsibility for anything. After all God does all things including speeches. And this goes to support the statement of Christ thus: "I can of my own self do nothing: as I hear I judge: and my judgement is just because I seek not mine own will but the will of the Father which hath sent me." (John 5:30).
Do not ever claim to have done anything. Both the word you utter and the things you claim to do are from God. You are a mere channel through which these things are made possible. If you lay claim to these things, it is an act of falsehood. You should tell the truth at all times so that all your affairs may be directed by God.
WE ARE THE PRODUCTS OF GOD
We are God's husbandry, God uses man to carry out His divine duties. Thus man cannot live without the assistance of God. If in the past people were ignorant of the right thing, they should amend their ways and ensure that the truth is told at all times, for the owner of the vineyard is truthful. Many people often claim to see ghost, mermaid, witches, wizards, juju, and other vain things, against the teachings of God. Many also erroneously attribute the blessing God has bestowed on them to juju, witch doctors, or soothsayers. But is it true that the blessing is from any of these things you trust in? Is your action not a denial of God's presence?
You should recall Pilate's question to Christ during His trial. Pilate asked Him thus:"Speakest thou not unto me? Knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and I have power to release thee? Jesus answered and said to him, "Thou couldest have no power at all against me except it were given thee from above." (John 19:10-11).
Right now, do not attribute death, birth, prosperity, poverty, failure, success, or anything that happens in the world to man, ghost, mermaid, witches, or juju. You attribute your plight to evil forces because you are deeply in love with falsehood. To you God has no role to play in your life. Note that it is falsehood that has made you to glorify these things that do not exist. Take note of this gospel for it is out of great love that the Father is pleased to impart it to you today. Read the Second Bible Lesson again.
SECOND BIBLE LESSON: COLOSSIANS 3:9
"Lie not to one another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds."
FLEE FROM FALSEHOOD
The biblical snake you may have heard of is nothing but falsehood. The snake is the most crafty and deceitful animal. Craftiness and deceit are the marks of the old man, which according to the second lesson, was removed. So, make sure that at all times, you speak the truth for the truth shall set you free. (John 8:32). The only acceptable order in this kingdom is speaking the truth at all times, not minding the situation you find yourself in.
No matter the number of churches in a particular street, they are of no use because they operate under the influence of falsehood and ungodliness. The only place you can witness truth is in Brotherhood of the Cross and Star. There is absolutely no truth in all the churches of the world. No matter their high sounding names, none is directed by the truth. It was because of this same hypocritical attitude that Our Lord Jesus Christ said, "The people of the world worship me with their lips but their hearts are far from me." It is for this reason that you see many people on the street shouting the name of Jesus where as their hearts are far away from Christ. Even while they continue to shout on this same name of Jesus, they kill, maim and plan all sorts of evil against their fellow men. There is none who may be rightly called a man of God.
Some of you in this kingdom should count yourselves lucky because when you got baptized into the fold, you had not gone far into the ways of the world. And this is why I always say that you are the luckiest people.
THE WORLD IS BLIND
The people of this world are ignorant. This is why they continue to uphold the traditions of their forefathers. They sacrifice to idols and observe other rituals. Right from today, you are charged not to live in falsehood. Do not tell lies to your fellow man. Make sure you put off the image of the old man with his deceits. Always speak the truth. During the ministry work of Our Lord Jesus Christ, He openly declared that He was not the doer of anything but the Father; that on His own He could do nothing at all. He was merely carrying out the Father's directives. And always, He would testify that He was sent by the Father. And I have been telling you that I do not exist but Jehovah God and His Christ. It is the Father who is at work. I cannot speak, because I do not have anything to say of my own. Jehovah God with His Christ are responsible for all things. He is truth, life, peace, and everything good. He bears witness of His glory.
THE KINGDOM OF GOD
This kingdom is not from this world, it is neither from the sun nor from the moon but directly from heaven. When you claim to be among those who started brotherhood, then I will ask you when you started your own Brotherhood, because this kingdom is the fulfillment of the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar as interpreted by Daniel. That in the days of those kings God will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall its sovereignty be surrendered to another race. That it shall break into pieces all other kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall reign forever. So beloved, this is that kingdom. It is not the kingdom of the world, Africa, Europe, America, or any particular race. So the whole world and fullness thereof belong to God.
HIS OTHER SHEEP
And He has said that, He has other sheep, which are not of this fold. That He will bring them into the fold and they shall hear his voice for there shall be one flock under one shepherd.
No matter the circumstances under which you find yourself, do not fail to speak the truth. Always stand firm in truth. If somebody persuades you to take an oath, do not take it for it is satanic. In the same way, if you are told to take an oath from the bible, do not accept it for it is a great sin in the sight of God.
It is a known fact that any person who is initiated into any secret cult would be asked to take an oath of allegiance so that he would not reveal the secret of the society. But if the person eventually reveals this secret, he is killed immediately. This will prove to you that anything that has to do with an oath taking is satanic.
If you learn to speak the truth at all times, you will not be subjected to any sin. But any person that takes an oath over a certain act must surely repeat such an act, because it is the work of Satan. So, do not swear at all; neither by heaven: for it is God's throne, nor by the earth for it is His footstool. But let your communication be yes or no. This is the kingdom of God which does not require falsehood, taking of oath, craftiness, cunning behaviour, or stealing. WHENEVER YOU COMMIT SIN, GO ON YOUR BENDED KNEES, AND PRAY FOR FORGIVENESS. ONCE YOU CONFESS YOUR SINS, YOU WILL BE FORGIVEN.
If you fail to speak the truth at any given time, you are led by the devil. One of our spiritual choruses has it said loud and clear that: "Truth remains firm, He is at work, we have seen Him in this generation, and He is Olumba Olumba Obu." Whatever you embark upon, without practising the truth, is null and void. Anything outside the truth is not required here. So let truthfulness be your watchword, for this gospel has become the judgement to the whole world. Whoever fails to practise this truth, stands condemned. If you receive this gospel and practise it, you would be free from problems. So let it be known to you that at any point in time you commit sin, whether it is stealing, or telling of lies, you are perished except you repent.
The scripture has warned us not to swear at all, neither by heaven for it is God's throne, nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great king. Therefore it means that at any time you raise up your hand to swear, you have committed a deadly crime. So you are enjoined to flee from such practices.
Oath taking has become the order of the day because even the government and armed robbers administer oath to their members. And whoever fails to live according to the terms of the oath suffers a consequence. So beloved, do not have anything to do with oath for it is of the devil. But always let your yes be yes and your no be no. Anything short of this is from the devil. And I know that this gospel is directly from God, and it will dwell richly in you. Take this message to the outside world. Let our golden text be read again.
GOLDEN TEXT: MATTHEW 5:34-37:
"But I say unto you swear not at all; neither by heaven: for it is God's throne, nor by the earth; for it is His footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great king. Neither shalt thou swear by the head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be Yea, yea; Nay, nay; for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."
DO NOT TAKE AN OATH:
Once oath taking stops, there will be peace in the whole world. The problem emanates from this very act. So brethren, at all times try to avoid oath taking but say the truth . Falsehood is the source of all forms of sin. It leads to the death of innocent people. So right from this moment learn to speak the truth.
Now when you swear by your head, can you create a strand of hair? Can you make your hair black or white? So you are told to let your communication be either yes or no; for anything short of this is evil.
The reigning king in this era is Truth and His word is true. For in truth He judges and makes war. Have you ever seen or heard of Christ giving an oath to anyone? Brotherhood is truth and so we do not swear by the Bible or anything else. We do not consult oracle, tell lies, or indulge in any sinful acts. And its foundation at all times is on truthfulness.
So beloved, it is said that a stroke of the cane is sufficient for the wise. Let he who has ears to hear, hear. May the Father bless His Holy Words. Amen!
THANK YOU FATHER.
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